Two furious ministers who spoke on condition of anonymity said the vehicles purchased for ministers did not amount to US$20 million as widely reported but US$1.6million. These figures were confirmed by the Finance Minister Tendai Biti.
It has also emerged that the Land Rover Discover 4 vehicles that have raised a storm were part of ministerial perks they were entitled to in 2009 when they joined the inclusive government. They were not given the vehicles then because of a critical funding shortfall. As a result, ministers have been hiring off-road vehicles from CMED pending the issue of their vehicles.
"These cars are part of our conditions of service," said an MDC minister piqued by the reports.
"Every minister is entitled to two vehicles: a ministerial Merc and one off roader. We were entitled to these cars in 2009, and they put that off to 2010. In 2010 they again said there were no funds to buy the vehicles. Then when we finally got the vehicles this year, there is this hulaballoo over nothing."
He said the ministers had been patient and did not deserve all this bad publicity.
"It’s a storm in a tea cup," said a Zanu (PF) minister. "Ministers have been getting these vehicles since time immemorial. I think it’s just unfair bad publicity mainly targeted at the MDC. But the truth of the matter is that this is no scandal.”
Critics have lashed out against the government, saying there is no justification for ministers to accept such pricey vehicles amid grinding poverty.
Post published in: News